Addressing Saintly Corrections: An Integrative, Developmental Approach to Counselor Bias Management

Authors

Travis Walker, University of Texas at San AntonioFollow
Jennifer M. Cook, University of Texas at San AntonioFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3191-189X, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9254-0711

Author Biography

Travis Walker, LGPC, Resident in Counseling received his degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He practices counseling in Washington, D.C. and Virginia. 

Jennifer M. Cook, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS is an associate professor in the Department of Counseling at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Dr. Cook is a multiculturally focused counselor educator who utilizes strength-based methods, culturally relevant practices, and social justice advocacy. Her research focuses on disability and addictions, and economic disparities, integrating sociocultural identities. Dr. Cook has published extensively, completed over 40 national and international peer-reviewed presentations, and recently published a multicultural counseling textbook.

Document Type

Article

Keywords

bias, cognitive complexity, multicultural orientation, cultural identity development, saintly corrections, realistic corrections

Subject Area

Counseling, Counselor Education, Mental Health Counseling

Abstract

No person is without biases, even the most culturally adept among us. Managing biases is critical to counselors’ continued journey of understanding clients contextually and holistically. In this article, we describe two novel bias management concepts: A specific type of bias called saintly corrections and the more clinically fruitful approach of realistic corrections. We define and illustrate saintly and realistic corrections, outline a multifold approach (i.e., cognitive complexity, cultural identity development, and the multicultural orientation model) for remediating saintly corrections, and offer recommendations counselor educators can use during planned and contextual learning opportunities, including an example of a contextual teachable moment. These concepts offer educators and practitioners fresh methods to strengthen the therapeutic alliance by managing counselor bias.

Public Significance Statement

No person is without bias, yet professional counselors must work through their biases so they can work effectively with clients. In this article, we define the phenomenon of saintly corrections, a process that occurs when individuals overcorrect their biases. We suggest that when counselor educators intentionally apply cognitive development theory, identity development models, and the multicultural orientation models, students can make realistic corrections instead of saintly corrections.

Recommended Citation

Walker, T. & Cook, J. M. (2026). Addressing saintly corrections: An integrative, developmental approach to counselor bias management. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 20(1), 1-19.